SASKATOON – Scientists have made progress toward dealing with the aftermath of stroke.

Using the Canadian Light Source located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and the Synchrotron Radiation Centre in Wisconsin, scientists have uncovered a new method for better understanding how stroke damages the brain.

“I am fascinated by the chemical reasons behind how we think and how that information could be applied to help stroke victims,” said Dr. Mark Hackett, who led the team conducting the research.

Hackett said a stroke is like lighting the fuse on a bomb as it activates pathways in the brain that may later cause severe damage.

The research validated the use of a new imaging approach to study the chemical pathways in the brain.